Lumbar Cushion Support Attachment for Backpacks

ABSTRACT

A portable lumbar cushion support attachment for backpacks for providing support to the lower spine and surrounding para-lumbar musculature of the wearer. The present invention is for a memory foam cushion which adjustably supports the lower spine in a proper position, alleviating lower back pain caused by improper posture and fatigue and also preventing further instances of lower back pain. In one embodiment, side straps are attached onto the bottom triangular strap regions of the backpack. The cushion is hemi-elliptical design which is positioned horizontally in the lower back region such that the cushion supports the spine and the surrounding musculature and the L1-L5 vertebrae. The cushion extends outwards, pushing against the lumbar spine, causing pressure to be created against the backpack and into the lower back, thus alleviating back pain and maintaining the lower back in its natural straight position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable device that can be attached onto a backpack, capable of providing variable lower back support. More particularly, the invention relates to a soft, portable, attachable lumbar cushion which assists with the spine being held in the proper position while moving or performing any actions with a backpack. The attachment comprises a cushion, strapped onto the backpack in two directions, having specific dimensions to provide comfort and cushion. The attachment creates pressure against the backpack when the wearer is using it, which creates pressure against the lumbar spine and relieves muscular tension in the region, maintaining the lower spine in its natural posture.

BACKGROUND

Lower back pain is a serious problem in the world. It is estimated that eight out of ten Americans at one time or another will suffer from severe back pain. Back pain starts from an early age, as soon as students start wearing back packs. Studies have shown that with students who wear backpacks, 64% reported having back pain at some time. Two of every five children said they felt pain while wearing their backpacks. In students reporting pain, about 12% said it was “not bad,” while almost 90% said their back pain was “bad” or “very bad.”

The position that we hold our spine when we wear a backpack is crucial to preventing or exacerbating back problems. The most correct position for the lower back region to be held is lordotic, or a slight inward curve. When the proper position is maintained, there is less pressure on the lower back. However, when there is a sufficient weight from the backpack, the force of the backpack drives backwards, which causes the body, in trying to balance the forces, to bend forwards. This thus causes the lumbar curve to bend unnaturally, which results in heavy strain in the spine and lower back as a whole.

As of current, only one other invention has been made for the backpack in supporting the lower back, and is an attachment that utilizes air pump (Backpack Lumbar Support from ChiroOneSource.) In contrast to the above, the present invention provides cushion through the use of memory foam. Many benefits are provided with the use of memory foam.

-   -   1. The memory foam contours to the body's curves, supporting the         lower back and allowing the spine to stay in its natural         position while the user wears the backpack.     -   2. When the backpack is pressed into the back, the memory foam         in the cushion prevents pain through the unique combination of         pressure point relief and support.     -   3. Different positions and shapes of the back can be         accommodated since the memory foam inside the cushion is         designed to mold into the body as the backpack pushes into the         user.     -   4. Motion does not matter, as the memory foam absorbs motion and         isolates rather than transfer it. When the wearer moves around         in his backpack, the attachment will stay in place and provide         the best support at all times.     -   5. The cushion is configured and dimensioned to provide pressure         and support to the L1-L5 vertebrae and the surrounding         para-lumbar musculature when worn. The cushion pushes against         the back of the backpack, which in turn creates a counter         pressure to the back.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a lumbar support (also referred to herein as the ‘device’) for a backpack. The lumbar support comprises a cushion and optionally an attachment mechanism (e.g. side straps) for attaching the cushion to a backpack. Alternatively, the cushion is integrated into a backpack. The side straps, or other attachment mechanism, are designed to connect (e.g. clip) onto either ends of the backpack and of the device. The attachment mechanism (e.g. straps) can be configured to position the device, when attached to a backpack, at the proper location of the lower spine to provide support for the spine when the backpack is worn. The device can be attached horizontally to align with the lumbar curve as well as the surrounding para-lumbar musculature including the Iliocostalis Lumborum, Longissimus Thoracis, and the Erector Spinae muscles. The device can be configured with a hemi-elliptical shape so that more pressure or support is placed on the spine, providing the most comfort.

As a non-limiting example, the back-support device can be in the form. of an attachment for the backpack and include a built-in strap on either side, with clips that are attached to the back region of the side straps of the backpack, and a hemi-elliptical shaped memory foam cushion with support in the center. The device includes a cushion from memory foam that supports the lumbar spine and further includes a rigid foam built as the base of the device touching the backpack to support the memory foam cushion.

Optionally, the device is generally spherical in shape and is arranged horizontally in the lower middle region of the backpack. The side straps are optionally of equal length or adjustable so that the device can be held directly in the center of the backpack. The device can be designed to have a specific lengthwise dimension such that when attached to a backpack and worn, the wearer will feel the most comfort in their lower back region, also preventing dysfunction and pain occurring from sacroiliac joints, or close to the pelvic region of the back. The cushion is also specified in its dimensions to support the L1-L5 vertebrae the height (i.e. vertical length when worn by user) and width (i.e. horizontal length when worn by a user) will optionally be in a 1:2 to 4:5 ratio. As a result of the forward force enacted by the device on the lower back, the spine is straightened, and the back is thus completely relaxed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the lower back support cushion in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the lower back support cushion

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lower back support cushion

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lower back support cushion

FIG. 5 is a front view of the lower back support cushion attached onto a backpack

FIG. 6 is a side view of the lower back support cushion attached onto a backpack

FIG. 7 is a perspective back view of a backpack

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overview

A device of the invention comprises a memory foam cushion configured for placement about the lumbar region of a backpack, e.g. the location on a backpack which would be positioned about the lumbar of a user (i.e. the wearer of the backpack). For example, the device can be integrated into a backpack (e.g. during manufacture of the backpack) or provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the cushion to a lumbar region of a backpack.

The device, having a lumbar cushion support, can be coupled with a backpack 6 such as shown in FIG. 4 for supporting the lumbar spine and para-lumbar musculature of the wearer's back, causing the wearer to stand with a slight inward curve of the lumbar spine.

As an illustrative example shown in FIG. 3, the device comprises a curved side 2, for example, provided as a hemi-elliptical shape, which is configured to be positioned as centrally adjacent the wearer's lower back such that more pressure is exerted on the lower spine to provide the utmost comfort and impact to the wearer's body.

Optionally, the device further comprises a layer of rigid foam 5 as shown in FIGS. 1-6, e.g., provided as rectangular, positioned on the flat side of the cushion (e.g. base of the device) to push against the backpack 6 and help maintain the shape of the device.

Optionally, the device further comprises an attachment mechanism for attaching the cushion to a lumbar region of a backpack shown in FIG. 4, provided as straps 1 that extend from the top-side to the middle-side of the cushion, each connected with connectors 7 (e.g. mitten clips) that provide an attachment mechanism to attach the device to backpack.

Optionally, the device further comprises a cover surrounding the memory foam and rigid foam (e.g. a soft cloth cover completely covering), providing support for the entire device to keep all parts connected.

Optionally, the width (e.g. the horizontal dimension that is parallel with the axis formed by the intersection of the coronal and transverse planes of a human wearing the device) is greater than the thickness (e.g. the horizontal dimension that is parallel with the axis formed by the intersection of the saggital and transverse planes of a human wearing the device) of the device. Optionally, the height (e.g. the vertical dimension when worn by a human) is greater than the thickness. Such a shape provides for resting in the lumbar of a user. For example, shown in FIG. 1, the width of the device can be between 7 inches and 12 inches and the height dimension can be between 3 inches and 7 inches and the thickness dimension can be between 2 to 4 inches.

Memory Foam Block

A device of the invention comprises a layer of memory foam such as a block of memory foam 4. The memory foam block can be provided in any shape and any type of memory foam (e.g. polyurethane) may be used.

Optionally, the memory foam is any foam that can be compressed and then retains its compressed shape for a period of time and then returns back to its original shape. For example, the memory foam can be of the type used by Tempur-Pedic® in the manufacture of mattresses.

Optionally, the block is connected to a rigid foam 5 configured for interfacing a backpack and a curved side, opposite the base, for interfacing (or contacting) the lumber of a user shown in FIG. 5.

Optionally, the memory foam 4 is provided with a curved side 2 configured for interfacing the lumbar of the user. Optionally, the memory foam block is provided as a hemi-elliptical shape, as shown in the figures. Such a shape provides for more pressure or support to be placed on the spine, providing the most comfort for the surrounding musculature and causing correct posture of the spine to be achieved.

Optionally, the memory foam comprises a density of about 2 lb./ft̂3 to about 9 lb./ft̂3, for example, about 4 lb/ft̂3 to about 7 lb./ft̂3.

Optionally, the memory foam 4 is open-cell memory foam.

-   -   In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates         substituting another type of foam (e.g. latex, neoprene, or a         foam rubber) for the memory foam.

Rigid Foam Layer

Optionally, a device of the invention comprises a layer of rigid foam 5. The rigid foam can be configured with any hardness as long as it is more rigid than the memory foam.

As compared with the memory foam 4, the rigid foam 5 optionally comprises any of the following properties relative to the memory foam: Higher density, more durable, more resistant to water, prevents mold growth.

The layer of rigid foam 5 is optionally provided on a first side of the memory foam 4 (e.g. base of the block) and not provided on a second side of the memory foam 4, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. For example, the second side can be a curved side 2 configured to interface with the lumbar of a user, wherein, optionally, the first side can be a flat side of the memory foam 4 configured to interface with the backpack or contents thereof.

Optionally, the layer of rigid foam 5 is identical in shape to the base (e.g. rectangular base) of the memory foam 4, attached on the side of the memory foam 4 opposite a curved side of the memory foam 4 which interfaces a user's (i.e. wearer's) lumbar.

Optionally, the rigid foam 5 comprises a density of about 2 lb./ft̂3 to about 9 lb./ft̂3 for example, about 3 lb/ft̂3 to about 6 lb/ft̂3.

Alternatively, a layer of a rigid material other than foam can be provided instead of the rigid foam 5. For example, it can be wood, gel, plastic, or hard leather.

The layer of rigid foam 5 provides the one or more of the following advantages to a device of the invention: Acts as a base to stabilize the vertical dimension/height and width of the cushion to retain its shape in the upright position of the cushion, provides the necessary hardness to apply optimal pressure against the backpack, is very light, which keeps the cushion at a relatively low mass.

By including the rigid foam layer 5, the height and width dimensions of the cushion arc kept constant while the thickness dimension is able to be changed/conformed based on the wearer's body composition and movement.

The rigid foam layer 5 prevents the device from being flattened in a plurality of dimensions when pressure is applied. Thus, the rigid foam layer allows for the memory foam thickness to be compressed by the lumbar region. Without the rigid foam layer, the memory foam 4 by itself would be heavily flattened about a plurality of dimensions and provide less support to the lumbar.

Attachment Mechanism

A device of the invention optionally comprises an attachment mechanism for connecting the memory foam block (and optional rigid foam layer) to a backpack. The attachment mechanism can be any connector 7.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises a connector selected from a strap, magnet (e.g. interacting with a metal component of the backpack, or metal component placed inside the backpack), clamp, clip, string, hook, hoop and loop mechanism (e.g. Velcro), tape, adhesive material, button, rubber band, or cord. One skilled in the art can readily produce any type of connector for connecting a device of the invention to a backpack.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism can be any connector 7 that is configured to be releasable such that the two connected components (device and backpack) can be connected and disconnected from each other a plurality of times without destroying or damaging the connector (i.e. the connector is configured to be releasable at will). This is in contrast to permanent fixing mechanisms such as molding or sewing.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises two straps 1 (e.g. nylon straps), and respective connectors 7 (e.g. clips such as mitten clips).

Optionally, the connector 7 is a hoop and loop mechanism (Velcro), where the Velcro strap is wrapped around the straps of the back pack 9 at any height.

Optionally, the connector 7 utilizes magnets, where one magnet is placed inside the backpack 6 while the other is placed on either side of the cushion.

Optionally, the connector 7 is on the rigid foam 5, facing the backpack, comprising of an adhesive that sticks onto the backpack.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises of two straps 1 (e.g. nylon straps), and respective buttons, in which one part of the button is integrated into the a portion of a backpack, such as bottom strap portion 8 of the backpack, while the other is integrated into the straps 1, where the button on the strap of the cushion will click onto the button on the strap of the backpack.

Optionally, the straps 1 (e.g. nylon straps) utilize polypro strapping attached to connector 7 on either side of the device, in which the connectors 7 are attached to the straps of the backpack in which the device can be moved up or down.

Optionally, FIG. 3 demonstrates that the straps 1 utilize polypro strapping attached to connectors 7 on either side of the device, connected to the central side regions of the device through sewing onto said nylon fabric.

Optionally, the connectors 7 are configured for clipping onto anywhere on a backpack, such as on both of the bottom strap portion 8 of the straps on a backpack shown in FIG. 7.

As an alternative to a connector 7, the cushion can be integrated into a backpack, for example, sewn to or molded to the backpack. For example, manufactured as a part of the backpack.

As shown in the figures the connectors 7 can be fixed to respective straps 1 and configured to connect the device of the invention to a backpack. It is noted that the connectors 7 are represented by rectangles in the figures, but can take any form, such as mitten clips or any other connector taught herein. Further, it is noted that, in FIG. 6, the connectors are not shown as connected to the backpack; however, the connectors are configured for being connected to the backpack (e.g. by stretching straps 1, which may be elastic straps, and then connecting the connectors 7 to the backpack).

Cover

A device of the invention optionally comprises a cover surrounding (e.g. completely surrounding) the memory foam 4 and optional rigid foam 5. The cover can optionally be constructed from a fabric such as nylon. Examples of useful fabrics include microfiber, micro suede, or any soft covering.

Optionally, the cover includes a logo, e.g. positioned on a portion of the cover that covers a curved side of the memory foam, e.g. the logo “Chrono Comfort” can be inked onto the fabric in the front of the device.

Method

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of attaching a device of the invention to a backpack and/or wearing a device of the invention with a backpack. The method can be used to achieve a proper posture of the spine while wearing a backpack.

Optionally, the method comprises:

-   -   a. providing a device of the invention,     -   b. connecting said straps 1 with said connectors 7 anywhere onto         the backpack such as bottom strap portion 8 of the backpack 6,         and     -   c. wearing the backpack with the device attached to the lower         region 10 of the backpack shown in FIG. 7.

Using a method of the invention, curved or hemi-elliptical shape of the device will cause more pressure on the spine and back of the wearer. For example, the device will provide support for the surrounding musculature and thus causing a proper position of the back and body to be achieved.

The citations provided herein are hereby incorporated by reference for the cited subject matter.

PATENT REFERENCES

U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,350, Feb. 21, 2006 (Grosso)

WEBSITE REFERENCES

-   http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20040813/heavy-backpacks-can-hurt-student-backs -   https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-POSTURE.htm) -   https://www.amerisleep.com/blog/10-benefits-foam-memory-mattress/ -   http://www.anatomylibrary.us/thoracic-bones-anatomy/thoracic-bones-anatomy-classification-of-bones/ -   http://abbottcenter.com/bostonpaintherapy/?p=2427 -   http://www/textileschool.com/articles/330/type-of-fabrics 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lumbar cushion support device configured for attachment to backpacks, said device comprising: a block of memory foam, a layer of rigid foam or other rigid material, a backpack attachment mechanism, and a cover, wherein the block of memory foam comprises a curved side configured for positioning against a wearer's lower back; said layer of rigid foam is provided on a side of the block of memory foam opposite the curved side, acting as a base of the device configured for touching the backpack, said cover covering the memory foam and rigid foam or other rigid material, and said attachment mechanism optionally comprises straps extending from two locations on the device and each attached to a connector.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the device is greater than the thickness of the device.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the device is between 10 inches and 14 inches and the height dimension is between 3 inches and 7 inches and the thickness dimension is between 2 to 4 inches.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the width is 12 inches and the height is 6 inches and the thickness is 3 inches.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the memory foam comprises open cell high density polyurethane foam.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises gel fabric, microfiber, microsuede, silk, cotton, nylon, satin, sateen, or a natural fabric, or a synthetic fabric.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side of the memory foam opposite the curved side comprises a rectangular shape.
 8. A method of achieving a proper posture of the spine while wearing the backpack, comprising the steps of; providing the device of claim 1, clipping said side straps with said mitten clips onto the bottom triangular portion of the straps of the backpack, adjusting said mitten clips based on the wearer's height, size, and location of lumbar curve, said device centrally and horizontally located in the middle of the backpack, wherein the hemi-elliptical shape of the device will cause more pressure on the spine and back of the wearer, and wherein said device will provide support for the surrounding musculature and thus causing a proper position of the back and body to be achieved. 